INDIA, January 26, 2026 (The Hindu): Uttarakhand’s religious leaders and temple caretakers have asked the state government to prohibit the entry of non-Hindus in the Char Dham temples of Bardinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. These shrines, situated at heights of over 9,842 ft. above sea level, are the backbone of the state’s economy and are visited by millions of people from across India every year. The demand comes weeks after the Ganga Sabha, a trust that manages the religious affairs of the Ganga ghats in Haridwar, demanded a ban on the entry of non-Hindus for the 2027 Kumbh Mela. Suresh Semwal, head of Gangotri Temple, told The Hindu that the temple committee held a meeting last week in which it was unanimously decided that non-Hindus will not be allowed inside the temple. “Non-Hindus will also not be allowed to enter in Mukhba, the winter abode of the Goddess,” he said.

The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee has also demanded that non-Hindus must not be allowed in the shrines. Its chairman, Hemant Dwivedi, said that the committee will discuss the proposed ban in its meeting scheduled next month and will implement it from the Char Dham Yatra this year. The yatra will start after the portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri temples are opened in April. “The Char Dham shrines are not tourist spots, and those who have no faith in Sanatan Dharma must not enter our sacred places,” said Mr. Dwivedi. He asked why those who have no faith in Hindu Gods want to visit these temples. On being asked if the temple committee will not allow non-Hindu VIPs who visit these shrines every year, Mr. Dwivedi said the ban will remain for the temple’s sanctum sanctorum.

More at source.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/uttarakhand/debate-rages-over-entry-of-non-hindus-into-badrinath-kedarnath/article70552680.ece

Post Views: 32